Serena Joy from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is one of the most complex antagonists in TV history. It was easy to hate her from the beginning of the story. After all, she is the architect of Gilead. She helped sell the idea of saving humankind by serving God through her book, ‘A Woman’s Place.’ Yet, when the regime overthrew the U.S. government and rose to power themselves, Serena became a prisoner of the very system she helped build.
This Gileadean wife tortured her handmaid but endured punishments at the hands of her husband, Commander Fred Waterford, too. Serena lost her voice but became all the more dangerous. As the series progressed, we saw her trying to break free of the orthodox notions, gaining some sympathy as tried to give up her son to her nemesis, June Osborn, just to keep him safe. Her new mission is to establish New Bethlehem with traditions, but better conditions for women. However, her second marriage also pushes her into darkness. On one hand, her vulnerability adds depth to her journey, on the other hand, her beliefs make her repulsive. So, what happened to her at the end of Margaret Atwood’s book? The show certainly has a shock-laden path ahead for Serena.
The Evil Tragedy Of Serena Joy In ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
Serena Joy personifies moral complexity in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ She preached the Old Testament, placed herself above the other women of Gilead, took pride in her status as Mrs. Fred Waterford, and did the bidding of the commanders.
In her life before Gilead, Serena was a powerful leader, making a case for change in the world to combat the fertility crisis. But once the totalitarian regime became a reality, she was silenced. She suffered humiliation and mutilation.
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In the book, Serena’s arc wasn’t too fleshed out. She remains a cold and menacing figure, occupying herself with gardening and knitting. She hates taking part in the monthly “ceremony” where she has to watch her husband sexually assault the handmaid to fulfill the greatest “duty” of reproduction. She also arranges for Offred to sleep with Nick as Fred might be infertile.
Towards the end of the story, once Offred escapes the oppressive clutches of Gilead, no clear-cut answer is given as to Serena’s fate. It’s indicated that Commander Waterford was publicly executed for his crimes against humanity, but Serena’s end days remain ambiguous. However, the epilogue reveals her identity as Thelma, not Pam. Maybe, Offred was trying to protect her by not recognizing her true position. Suffice it to say, the dystopian setting of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ haunts to the end.
The only mention of Serena in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ sequel, ‘The Testaments’ is done in relation to her legal daughter who was birthed by June. Set 15 years after the events of the original book, it’s revealed that Baby Nichole was taken to Canada and then she disappeared once Gilead pressured them to give her back. She was adopted and raised as Daisy. Finally, she returned to the Gileadean hellscape to dismantle the regime with her sister, Agnes. Serena was never reunited with Nichole.
Serena’s Evolution In ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Series
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ TV adaptation drastically changes Serena Joy’s story, giving her depth and trepidation of being a single mother against the forces of Gilead. She also comes across as a delusional person trying to do everything to survive and explaining her heinous actions for the “greater good.”
Even actress Yvonne Strahovski admitted she didn’t see the transformation coming. She told Variety, “I didn’t anticipate any of it. I remember starting the show and thinking ‘Serena is a bit of a mystery.’ I had to decide for myself where she was emotionally — that was the only way in, without any judgment. The decision I made was to treat her as a person who had felt betrayed and was deeply wounded by her husband having been involved with a previous Handmaid, before June came along. I’ve always played her from that angle.”
After her husband was murdered, Serena didn’t wallow. She made it her mission to reinvent Gilead and expand its territory across the border. She didn’t break when she was paraded around during her pregnancy. In fact, she loved being a symbol of hope for women who had a hard time having children. But then, Gilead turned on her.
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So, this woman found her old strength and escaped. She became a refugee and built a life for herself and her son. She wants to set up a haven in New Bethlehem, complete with the rights of women and a fertility center. She still has her rigid ideals of following God’s wishes, but she wants power too. Serena’s purpose is to infuse liberty into Gilead’s terrifying laws.
Serena’s Marriage To Commander Wharton Is A Recipe For Disaster
While Serena has vowed to work relentlessly on the New Bethlehem project alongside Commander Wharton, their slow and quiet romance brought her happiness. He made her believe that single mothers are welcome and that women can walk freely in this society. Wharton showed kindness to Serena’s son, Noah, too. So, she fell for him.
Serena meticulously planned her wedding, which became the place for a deadly attack by Mayday handmaids. But, Serena’s turmoil started when she entered her marital home. Basking in her joy and her new husband’s affection, a dark fog engulfed her as she saw a Handmaid waiting for them. She is shocked and disgusted. She doesn’t support this cruel rule anymore. She questions Wharton and says she can bear his children. This is where his true nature, the great betrayal is on full display.
Wharton wants to follow Gilead’s protocols as he believes they are dictated by God. He is enraged about having to embrace Serena’s modern ideas. In a heartbreaking moment, she accuses him of being like her ex-husband and tries to leave with Noah. Strahovski explained that split-second decision by her character: “Serena has always been the kind of person that will choose the best avenue for her survival and her protection. Most characters in Gilead operate this way. It’s self-serving, unlike June, who operates for the greater good. Serena makes self-serving choices.”
While Wharton initially stops her, upon hearing her angered speech about enduring persecution and abuse and still surviving, he lets her go. He wants her to believe he is a good man. But we know he is a top commander who knows the art of manipulation. Serena’s troubles are going to mount up, and her misery will be endless.
